5 Tips for getting your Backyard Landscape Design completed before Summer
Have you ever found yourself thinking about how great your new Outdoor Living project will be this summer, a Pool, a Patio, an Outdoor Kitchen, etc. only to realize that lots of other people beat you to it and finding that available contractor near me will be harder than you hoped? We hear this a lot, and wanted to provide 5 tips and tricks to getting your foot in the door early to ensure that 4th of July party goes off without a hitch!
1. Plant Your Seeds Early
As with most things in life planning ahead can save you significant time and costs in the end. Whether it is an early buy program from a vendor, or just making sure you get a jump on the spring rush. Starting your project conversations early will help ensure things go smoothly on the tail end.
Planning a backyard overhaul, landscape renovation, or that pond-less waterfall you have always wanted can take time. If you have done some initial leg work and communicate to the contractor how they can help you, it will help save some time. The more elements the project involves the longer the planning phase will take. If you haven’t begun yet, don’t worry, most contractors are able to help you design your new space and bring your dream to life. Generally speaking, we advise clients to start their conversations 6-8 months before they intend to begin their project. Certainly timing can vary, but starting early will help make sure the backend gets sorted out ahead of time. Architects, Engineers, Permits, HOA Approvals and Special Order Materials will take time and spring is always a rush with longer lead times. Start early and get a jump on the neighbors.
2. Know Your Options
Planning in advance will allow you the proper time to make sure you have the right options for your needs. Special order products and in high demand supplies can be difficult to come by in busy times. If you are specific on what you want, get an early jump on these to ensure you are not left sorting through overstock and less desirable leftovers for you home improvement needs.
Research your options and ask questions to ensure you get what you are after. Is the item you want custom and requires a long lead time when a similar item could meet your needs and is much more available? If you don’t ask, you might not find the answer till it’s too late. Is your contractor able to advise you on your needs and readily answer the questions you have? Has budget and timing been thoroughly discussed? Make sure you understand the differences and options available and how they could impact the project.
Related: Patio Cost Comparison
3. Secure Your Spot
Conversations are always great to get the ball rolling. Certainly, planning properly can save you in the end. None of this is going to matter though if you can’t secure the contractor’s availability. I wish I could say that this article was a secret, and the keys to success are here. I’d be lying if I did because most experienced buyers know they need to get a spot reserved early for their spring deadlines by getting a contract and deposit down early.
Most contractors will require a deposit to hold availability, and a second down payment before the project starts when materials need to be ordered. The details of this will vary by state, but you can expect to have 10-50% down before a single truck pulls up to your house. Most in demand contractors will have the majority of their year booked out before the snow melts. Expect to have contracts and deposits in place between November and the beginning of March in most regions.
4. Get to the Front of the Line
We have all heard the expression first come, first serve. Outdoor Living is hot right now as more and more people are looking to their own properties to create vacation like settings. These environments are no small investment and buyers are often eager and excited to get to enjoy them.
That could mean that a summer deadline just will not work for your needs. Buyers looking to have an established installation completed and growing in by their summer kick off BBQ, often choose to start their projects the year before. It is not uncommon for buyers of larger outdoor living areas to begin before winter sets in and working through winter when possible to ensure that the area is completely finished by the time they are ready to use it.
Note: We get this question a lot. Yes we work all year long. There are certain precautions a contractor would want to make to ensure that the sensitive elements are taken care of before temps get below freezing daily, but it is very possible to continue working in most regions when the foundations are completed before the end of the year. Likewise, temps usually resume with day light by February meaning the delays are often outweighed by the massive jump start gained by starting the year before.
5. Have a Plan B
When all else fails go back to the playbook. I know it is exciting to plan a project and finally get that area you wanted for so long. Sometimes having to go to plan B might not be so bad. Have you considered what losing your spring or summer to a torn up yard looks like for you? We find that clients with active properties such as lake fronts and households with small children often find it beneficial to have their project created in the fall when the yards are used less and the disturbance is less of an impact on their quality of life.
Consider how you use your property and what seasons are most important to your lifestyle. The intention is to enhance quality of life and make the experience as pleasurable as possible. Having clarity in your expectations will help a landscape contractor be able to best meet your needs. What is the most important part about this experience for you.